Aurora Division Ship’s Log – 2006
25 November 2006
Medical Corpsman School, Great Lakes, IL, 9 - 22 July 2006
When our division was on our way back from the SeaBee challenge (19MAY0621MAY06) I utilized most of our ride back with thoughts of summer training. I
considered many options but ultimately I thought back to my days of medical obsession.
For the majority of my life I have been infatuated with anything that was even medically
related so I concluded on Basic Medical.
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Day 1: Day 1 was reception day, we all checked in, and settled with our
roommates.
Day 2: On Day 2 we began with our PT regimen in the morning, and went to the
Naval Health Clinic to begin our Basic Life Support Certification.
Day 3: Day 3 was also BLS Certification, with the exception of the morning PT.
Day 4: Now that we had our Health care Providers BLS certification we could
begin our rounds in the clinic. The rounds were the bulk of this training, making
for a new and interesting situation every day. Each station we learned about a new
medical profession and new area of health care to study. This approach to a
training proved to keep everyone interested and spread our knowledge over a
wide variety of fields. These rotations ranged from Orthopedics to Hematology.
We also did a lot of work with Cardiologists and Radiologists. Another point to
these rotations is that we not only learned, but we assisted the actual doctors and
assistants. Much of our experience there was actual labor and hands-on; doing
anything that we could to help out. My favorite station was definitely the ER.
Day 5-11: Rotations
Day 12: FMF Day, a glimpse into the life of the Fleet Marine Force, the Navy
Corpsmen that act as medics alongside the Marines in Iraq.
Day 13: Day 13 was the conclusive day to our training and we all relaxed a bit
and graduated that evening.
Day 14: Departure.
Overall this training was an amazing experience, I would HIGHLY recommend this
training for ANYONE. Even if you're not interested in the medical field, it is a good
lesson in teamwork and leadership. I can't wait until Advanced Medical next summer.
SA Garrett McCarthy, USNSCC
30 October 2006
Recruit Training, Great Lakes, IL, Medical Staff 2005 and 2006
I staffed the medical dept. for Recruit training at Great Lakes for the past 2 years. I have
to say, the years were very different from each other. At RT 2005, the medical
department found that the two biggest problems were blisters and dehydration. I cannot
stress enough how important it is to drink water at RT. I met some cool people and got to
know some other people better.
Summer 2006 Recruit Training was a lot different. It seemed like we did not have nearly
the same large amount of recruits in sick bay, and the ones that we did have, were minor
things. There were of course the recruits who thought it was the cool thing to sit in
medical to get out of things, which personally I think is the most annoying thing in the
world. I think that 2005 was a lot better of a training for me to learn things that I didn't
know. There were more opportunities to see different things and it was more hands on.
I realize that every year is different, and by knowing that, I am looking forward to
staffing again. You really can't expect what will happen. In 2006, I had more fun socially
and got to help actually staff a division, which we weren't really allowed to do because
with medical, you are just there to help if anything bad happens. I met a lot of new people
who are probably the most rad people I have met, and I am looking forward to seeing
some of them next year or at other trainings.
PO2 Rachel Erb, USNSCC
5 October 2006
Petty Officer Leadership Academy (POLA), NAVSTA Norfolk, VA, 6 - 12 August 2006
My experience in Norfolk, VA was most definitely a memorable one! Our first day into
the training we were warned not to lean on any of the sinks because they would fall off
the walls and not to stand in the two bathtubs because the floor is weak and rotted and
they would most likely fall through the floors. This was definitely an interesting way to
kick off the training. Luckily people were smart enough to pay attention to that piece of
crucial advice. With days jam-packed with classrooms and marching we were able to
complete the entire required criteria within the first four days. WO Macaulley and LT
Robson were the main officers that taught and interacted with the POLA cadets. They
made sure that the many hours spent in classroom desks were interesting. A certain
number of hours had to be obtained for both classroom and marching in order to earn the
torch appurtenance. Each night I was only able to experience approximately two to four
hours of sleep due to watches, classrooms running late into the night, and cleaning duties
that had to be done after late classes. Most people that had attended this training were
easy to get along with and fun to spend time with. Because of this the groups that we
were placed into to create lesson plans went smoothly. Overall POLA was not too bad of
a training considering that it is loaded with classes and marching.
AN Amanda Glass, USNSCC
5 October 2006
Basic Airman Training, NAS Lemoore, CA, 16 - 29 Jul 2006
During Basic Airman training we had the privilege of staying in dorm room style towers.
While in California I experienced launching and recovering several F/A-18 Super Hornet
jets. Also, while with the ordinance division I was able to load ordinance onto jets
heading out for target practice. Each day we would rotate shops, some included Paraloft,
Avionics, Ordinance, Maintenance control, and Seat Shop. Each morning several pilots
would swarm the training facilities. This allowed many of the Sea Cadets on this training
to talk with experienced pilots about any questions they may have had or just have a
friendly conversation. Every afternoon we would head to the chow hall. Depending on
what meal of the day it was, the food wasn’t too bad, unlike some places. Although, with
the heat index soaring to 144 degrees on the flight line, most days you really had to pay
attention to what you put on your plate. In order to graduate from Basic Airman you had
to complete the Airman course book and pass a final exam, which I thankfully was able
to do.
AN Amanda Glass, USNSCC
2 October 2006
NMCB-25 touched down at Point Mugu Naval Air Station in California at 0750 Pacific
Time this morning. We were greeted by our PaPa DET that stayed here to handle all the
pay and ADMIN as well as some of the active duty Seabee's to help unload the United
Airlines 747 we flew back on.
We stopped over at the former US Air Force Base, Hahn Airbase in Frankford Germany
at 0330 their time. Needless to say we poured down the German Beer before sunrise and
had a nice "Breakfast". It was a thrill to see the 747 all decorated in American Flags and
hear the cheers when the wheels hit the ground here at Mugu.
We started the DEMOB process right away and we hope to have the bulk of us out of
here by the weekend or no later than Tuesday. We've already turned in all the 782 gear
and gas masks, left rifles and OTV's back in Kuwait.
We are dead tired but glad to be back here, temps are mild compared to Iraq/Kuwait and
seeing green uniforms and grass is a little weird but I'll take it. Thank you all for your
support of this deployment this group of Seabee's did a magnificent job for the 1st Marine
Expeditionary Force and the 9th Naval Construction Regiment while in country. "CAN
DO!"
The "BeeKeeper"
SK1(SCW) Charles David Haig IV
NMCB-25
Port Hueneme, California
27 September 2006
Seamanship Training Aboard the YP-671 Manatra, Chicago, IL, 28 July - 6 Aug 2006
Over the summer, I attended Seamanship Training aboard the YP-671 Manatra. During
the course of the training, we learned, and cleaned, the ship from top to bottom. We also
did our fair share of traveling. We departed from Chicago, and steamed our way to St.
Joseph, Michigan, where we took part in the local Elk Club Breakfast. Afterwards, we
departed for Grand Haven, Michigan, where we joined in on the festivities of the Coast
Guard Festival, where we were allowed a first hand view of the newest ship in the fleet,
the USCGC Mackinaw. Following our stint in Grand Haven, we set out for Muskegon,
Michigan to view the old USS Silversides, a World War II sub. All in all, it was a fun and
enjoyable trip.
SN Dale Jackman, USNSCC
16 September 2006
NSCC Recruit Training, RTC Great Lakes, IL, 17-25 June 2006
Over the 2006 summer training I went to Great Lakes Recruit Training from June 16-25.
The first 3 days were pretty rough getting settled in. On Monday we got our famous hair
cuts. Then on Tuesday we had our physical fitness test. There was a lot of marching and a
lot of blisters on my feet. The last 4 nights we spent at the drill hall practicing for the
graduation. The best part of boot camp was the marksmen shooting. The food was really
good. I meet a lot of new people and to this day I still keep in touch with them. The
whole experience was better than what I expected. When it came time to go home I was
happy and sad at the same time.
SA Rick Koehnke, NSCC
16 September 2006
NSCC Recruit Training, RTC Great Lakes, IL, 17-25 June 2006
The drive out to Recruit Training was consumed by review of our General Orders and the
Sea Cadet Oath.
In my opinion the hardest days were the first two. These days were spent getting
conditioned to the new regimen, and used to the discipline we would receive throughout
the rest of the training. After a few redundant days of "how not to lose your guidon", we
started practicing for graduation, a welcome sign that the end of training was soon
approaching. The last few nights ended later, due to our late night graduation ceremony
practice.
When I was at Recruit Training it didn't seem so fun, but when I think back on the friends
I made and the amazing learning experience it was, I'm glad I went.
SA Garrett McCarthy, NSCC
15 September 2006
Today I attended the Chief Petty Officer’s pinning ceremony at RTC Great Lakes. All
across the Navy, all across the world, Chief Petty Officer selectees had family and loved
ones witness and participate in a very important ceremony; they received the gold fouled
anchors and combination covers that symbolize the rank of Chief Petty Officer in the
United States Navy. The ceremony is solemn and heavy with symbolism, and yet it is
also a very happy occasion, with friends and family traveling from all over the world to
witness this major career milestone.
For the past six weeks, this group of 70 outstanding 1st class petty officers (referred to
during this transition period as Chief Petty Officer Selectees) have undergone intense
training to prepare them for the senior enlisted ranks (sometimes known as the
supergrades). Each one of them had to have a Chief, Senior Chief, or Master Chief as a
sponsor, and that sponsor’s role is to provide the final input as to whether that sailor truly
has what it takes to be a Chief Petty Officer. They PT together daily, train together
regularly before and after the duty day, and attend special classes and seminars designed
to aid them in their transformations. The transition period is tough by design, and it is by
no means a sure thing that a CPO Selectee who begins that training completes it to
become a Chief Petty Officer. Two CPO Selectees from RTC Great Lakes were selected
for a special honor; they were flown to Charlestown, MA for 2 weeks to undergo that
phase of their training aboard the USS Constitution, “Old Ironsides”.
At this point in their Navy careers, they are expected not only to be technical experts in
their respective fields, but now are called on even more to be leaders within the Navy.
Their uniform changes, their quarters change, and even the way their juniors and seniors
in the chain of command look upon them changes. “Go ask the Chief” is a phrase you
hear over and over again in the Navy. Another phrase is just as true … ”when you want
to know something, go ask a Chief.” Your Chief is someone who has a special
responsibility to train, to teach, to guide, to prepare the next generation of sailors. It’s not
just junior enlisted that benefit from a Chief’s years of experience afloat and ashore …
many a brand new ensign receives guidance and advice from their division’s LCPO
aboard their first ship; the smart ones listen to the Chief, and then make their decisions
and give their orders. Chiefs run the Navy … just ask anyone.
I was privileged to be invited by several friends I’ve met through Sea Cadets who were
CPO Selectees to attend their pinning ceremony. Aside from the opportunity to work with
young people like our fine cadets and to watch them grow and mature into productive
citizens, I have been privileged to meet some outstanding adults through this program as
well. I was extremely proud of my friends’ accomplishments, represented this day in the
symbolic pinning on of the gold fouled Chief’s anchors, and donning of the Chief’s cover
they’ll wear for the remainder of their time in the Navy.
Respectfully,
LTjg Brian Kobleur, USNSCC
Commanding Officer, Aurora Division
Webmasters' note: The following was received over the Coast Guard Academy
Parents' Association, of which I am a member. I am publishing it here as a reminder
that every day, heroic men and women in uniform are defending our country and
serving us all. Let us keep them all in our thoughts and prayers, be they in war zones
or stateside, at sea, on land, or in the air, on Earth or in space, wherever they may be.
18 August 2006
Coast Guard Loss of Life
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the tragic loss of two of our shipmates. LT
Jessica Hill of St. Augustine, Florida, and BM2 Steven Duque of Miami, Florida, lost
their lives in the line of duty while conducting diving operations from CGC HEALY
during an icebreaking mission approximately 600 miles Northwest of Barrow, Alaska.
Despite all efforts by the crew of HEALY, they could not be revived after being rescued
from the water in distress.
Our highest priority now is to fully support the family, friends and shipmates of LT Hill
and BM2 Duque during this difficult time. Both members were single without children,
and their respective family members have been notified. I have directed the District and
Area commanders to provide whatever support services are necessary for the families and
crew of HEALY. HEALY is returning to Barrow where we will be better able to assist
them. Two concurrent investigations will be conducted to help determine the
circumstances surrounding this accident.
In my conversation with HEALY’s commanding officer, CAPT Doug Russell, this
afternoon, I expressed my personal condolences to him and his crew and pledged my
support for them while they deal with this loss. CAPT Russell spoke proudly of LT Hill
and BM2 Duque. LT Hill was on her second Coast Guard tour serving as the Marine
Science Officer aboard HEALY. She was a graduate of University of Western Alabama.
BM2 Duque enlisted in the Coast Guard in 2002, and served both afloat and ashore prior
to being assigned as one of HEALY’s divers.
This loss is a reminder to all of us that we operate in a hazardous environment and must
remain vigilant. It also reminds us that Coast Guard men and women serve our Nation
proudly across the reaches of the globe to preserve and protect our national maritime
safety, security and stewardship interests. LT Hill and BM2 Duque made the ultimate
sacrifice. We are proud of their selfless service and honor them by our continued
dedication to the important work we do for the American people.
Please join Secretary Chertoff, me, and all who serve in uniform in taking a moment
today to reflect on the loss of these two brave and heroic members of our Coast Guard
family in whatever way you find most appropriate. Please keep their families, friends and
shipmates in your thoughts and prayers in the days to come. Details on memorial services
and how you can express your condolences to the families of LT Hill and BM2 Duque
will be provided when available.
Admiral Thad Allen
Commandant, United States Coast Guard
12 August 2006
It's been pretty busy here since I last wrote you guys back in June. Sorry so long to write
but we've been in a very steady work schedule all summer and it's still hammer down
here at TQ. We of course lost 3 of our fellow Seabee's since we deployed and all
wonderful people. They will be dearly missed by the Seabee's here and back home. I pray
those left behind will find comfort in knowing just how much we love all 3 of these
wonderful Seabee's we will always call them friends.
The temps here are upwards of 115 to 118 in the heat of the day which is almost as hot as
Dallas, Texas where I grew up :) We never see any animals they are far too smart to live
in this environment. Can't really say much due to OPSEC but we get the Sea Cadet emails and are proud to know you all are marching in parades and carrying the flag for us.
Thank you for the support and taking time from summer youth and fun to represent us
over here.
We still have a ways to go yet and will be able to tell you more once we are home. I can
tell you that the United States Marine Corps and United States Navy are the finest there
is. The US Air Force does a wonderful job as does the United States Army. All are here
but the US Marine Corps is light years ahead of the rest of us, they are the nations finest
and it shows.
The Seabee's are the "Grumpy Old Men Association" but we have more knowlege and
skills than them all and they all know it. We help all branches and our Iraqi counterparts.
The Navy Seabee's are still what we've always been, "CAN DO!" I am so proud of all
these guys and gals with NMCB-25 and the augments we borrowed from NMCB-15,
none better in trade skills. Thank you Aurora Sea Cadet Division for your support we
appreciate you all.
The "BeeKeeper"
SK1(SCW) Charles David Haig IV
NMCB-25
DET-1
FPO AP 96601-5114
Al Taqaddum Airbase, Iraq
6 July 2006
Staff Cadet, NLCC Basic Orientation Camp Dodge, IA, 23 June - 2 July 2006
I understand, now, how hard the Red Ropers at RTC Great Lakes work. I felt a fraction of
the frustration, exhaustion, and joy you feel when you push a company, and watch the
transformation of irresponsible, hard-headed children into trained, productive citizens. I
acted as a Senior Company Commander for NLCC Basic Orientation at Camp Dodge,
IA.
The week started out easy; the hardest thing to begin with was waking up 45 minutes
before the recruits (at 0415). We would do our morning routines, and then at 0500, we
would sound reveille in our compartment. One of the CCs would go out in the morning
with the cadets to do Battalion PT, and the other would stay behind to catch a little bit
more sleep, and check the compartment before zone inspection. Then we would herd our
cadets in and out of the showers, probably too conscious of the time, though, we were
always the last company out the door. We would then head around to the other side of the
building for morning chow. After that was classes until 1600, with a break at 1200 for
noon chow. After classes, the recruits would have a daily ten question quiz, and then
personnel inspection. We would form up for a mini awards presentation, and we would
receive "pennants" to hang on our guidons for things such as physical readiness,
academic, personnel inspections, zone inspections, and military drill/ bearing; all these
pennants would help decide who would earn honor company at the end of the week.
When awards formation was over, we would head back to the barracks for evening chow,
company commanders' time, evening routine/ showers, and the best part of the day, taps
at 2200.
The week was a challenge; we managed to come out of swim quals with fourteen 2nd
class and one 3rd class swimmer and marksmanship with 2 experts, 1 sharpshooter, 5
marksmen, and 7 non qualifiers. The night before graduation was definitely the hardest
for everyone. At the end, we came through, and managed to gain the lead with ten
pennants, with Alpha company not far behind with seven.
Graduation day started out with reveille at 0600; it was raining lightly. We had a major
field day, dusting, sweeping, mopping, and ridding their uniform pants of lint and
wrinkles, instead of PT. My RPOC was nervous as she'd been having a hard time timing
her eyes right in all the practice pass-in-reviews we did the day before. We boarded the
bus with butterflies in our stomachs, nervous about possibly making mistakes in front of
the families and friends. Everyone got off the bus across the street from the reviewing
stand, and began to sing their company's motivational chants to psych up the cadets. The
CCs, after a brief meeting, marched the cadets over to the parade field to begin the
ceremony. It went off without a hitch, the honor cadets were announced, and our
company was proud to be named honor company, as well as have our honor cadet named
the overall honor cadet of the training. After the graduation we all were allowed to go
greet parents and friends, with many tears shed by the recruits, happy to finally see their
parents after a week and a half. The cadets again boarded the busses back to the barracks
to gather their belongings, and check out.
After everyone left, I FINALLY got to change into civvies, and do one final sweep of the
barracks to make sure everything was clean, and everyone took all their stuff with them,
turned over the compartment and head to the MAA. I, then, headed over to admin to
await the arrival of my ride, and my very much needed vacation to beautiful Galena, IL.
PO2 Heidi Miller, NSCC
30 June 2006
To the cadets of the Aurora Division:
If this picture comes across [see below], this is why we celebrate the freedoms we have.
This is the daughter of the Corpsman we lost here in Iraq. She gave her mom for the
freedoms we take for granted. March with pride on the 4th of July for those that have
fallen for this nation. This is why we shine our shoes, press our uniforms and have a
proper hair cut. You represent her. Remember this little girl, she is an only child and is
our Seabee Daughter now. Look sharp and remember you are being watched by former
service members from all branches.
GO NAVY.
SK1(SCW) Charles David Haig IV
NMCB-25
DET-1
Al Taqaddum Airbase, Iraq
23 June 2006
Basic SCUBA Training, Santa Rosa, New Mexico, June 2006
The first thing that went into my head when I heard about scuba dive school in New
Mexico was where in New Mexico is there water? When I arrived in NM I noticed that it
wasn't all desert like I thought it would be and in fact there is a lot of greenery. I decided
to go a couple of days early so I can enjoy my vacation and get a tan. The weather was
beautiful; it was hot all day and all night. When I arrived at the scuba dive shop to help
the C.O. get books I met two of the instructors; the master instructor Bert and the Sea
Cadet instructor Arthur. Arthur told me that we were going to wake up at 0445 everyday
and I thought my eyes were going to roll into the back of my head. People came from all
over the U.S. to scuba dive in NM and MIDN Mosley and I were not the only people
from the Chicagoland area. The scuba dive training was joint with a culinary training
who made us our food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so you know we were good friends
with them!
We started with a very long two days of classroom sessions to get us familiarized with
the gear, hand signals, equalizing pressure, and emergency procedures. We also saw
dives Arthur made and we took quizzes and a final exam to get certified. We did all the
classroom sessions at an armory that was a three mile walk from the Motel 6 that we
were staying at. We did all of our dives at a lake close by called Perch Lake which had a
car and a plane that we were able to see when we dived. We were supposed to dive at the
famous Blue Hole but the Army was cleaning it with their divers so we were only able to
swim in it.
Diving is amazing; once you become neutrally buoyant you feel weightless underwater
like if you were in space. You also see so many fish, plants, and wild life underwater.
They told me before I entered the water that I would see more underwater in 10 minutes
than I would in 10 hours in the forest -- it's true. I made good friends in the course of a
week and you form a family on these trainings that us Sea Cadets go on. It was also
amazing breathing underwater for the first time -- you're reluctant because you don't want
to breathe water but you don't and it is amazing. I want to go again and I am going to see
if I can go for advanced scuba. It is so fun I suggest that people who want to go out for
those insane trainings go to scuba because you might need it for EOD and SEAL.
PO2 Miguel Luciano, NSCC
8 June 2006
Sad news from SK1 Haig:
Just to let you know we lost two of our own with NMCB-25 this week killed in action
and two wounded on the Convoy Teams. If you google "Navy Reservist Killed In Iraq"
you will see the 1st line is about Gary Rovinksi. He is one of ours killed along with a
young female Corpsman.
Thank you,
SK1(SCW) Charles David Haig IV
NMCB-25
DET-1
Al Taqaddum Airbase, Iraq
28 May 2006
Update from SK1 Haig:
It's 110 degrees here! Thank all of you Sea Cadets for marching in the heat for those of us
serving over here! These men and woman of all branches of the Armed Forces are doing
a wonderful job here. We lost a few this weekend in a helo crash over the lake next to the
base, keep these Marines in your prayers and thoughts as you march this weekend.
SK1(SCW) Charles David Haig IV
NMCB-25
DET-1
Al Taqaddum Airbase, Iraq
4 April 2006
Update from SK1 Haig:
BU1 and I are now here in beautiful (TQ) Al Taqaddum which is on the outskirts of
Habbaniyah. Lets just say the town isn't a place to go have breakfast and the Marines ain't
playing volleyball down there. We woke to the sound of a .50 cal this AM and it wasn't
target practice. This is one of the bases we tore up during the Gulf War and OIF, there are
MIG-29's and a bunch of very old Russian 50's era jets parked outside our compound.
The food is good here but this place looks like the Alamo or Laredo one of the two. The
joke is were are not in Iraq but never left the states and we are in Nevada in area 51
fighting aliens. Thursday's are a big event here in the Middle East as it is "Man Love
Thursday", i.e. the "Haji's" hold hands and have the weekend off.
Bob and I got plucked from beautiful Al Asad Airbase which really was pretty nice
compared to here. This is the real thing with in coming and snipers to boot. I was
working on my (FMF) Fleet Marine Force Warfare Pin back at Al Asad and will be able
to continue here. Bob wants to join in also. We got to fly here via two CH-53's fully
loaded with NMCB-25 Seabee's and all our gear, lots of fun. Our Battalion is spread out
all over this country. We have relieved NMCB-22 from Fort Worth, Texas, they haven't
MOB'd since Vietnam in 1969. Here in Al Taqaddum we relieve NMCB-133 from
Gulfport, Ms. they are active duty and one of the best in the Seabee's, the Running Roos.
(Kangaroo's)
Hope the kids are all doing well, we miss them and let them know we are proud of them
for already serving this nation. The boxes that they have spent Saturdays filling over at
the bank are all over this country and are used and more than appreciated by the troops.
Tell our Sea Cadets they have an impact on the war over here and they are helping more
than they know.
Stay in touch, and thanks!!
SK1(SCW) Charles David Haig IV
NMCB-25
DET-1
FPO AP 96601-5114
21 March 2006
It is with very mixed feelings that I write this entry. On the one hand, it is hard to let go
of my position as your Commanding Officer. On the other hand, letting go and moving
on is an important part of life; my life, your life as cadets, and the life of the division.
I joined the Sea Cadets to do something with my son. I personally had no military
experience and, while I always respected the military, it was not my primary interest. I
never intended to become a uniformed officer, or to be integrally involved in the
leadership of the unit. My plan was to be a behind-the-scenes kind of person, handling
items such as the website and coordinating getting cadets out on advanced trainings.
Things sort of evolved as needs arose and I attempted to support the program by filling in
to the best of my abilities. One thing led to another, and I ended up assuming command
of the Aurora Division to do what I could to ensure its future.
The main reason I became so involved was that the philosophy of the Sea Cadet program,
in particular the focus on the Navy's core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment, fit
very well into my personal philosophy of life. That is why I stayed on as Commanding
Officer after my son graduated and moved on to the US Coast Guard Academy; how
could I preach Commitment to the cadets, then not fulfill my commitment to 3 years as
Commanding Officer? I believe very strongly in these principles, and in the importance
of giving ourselves to the service of others. I believe there is a reason we are here on this
planet, and that we each must search for our own understanding of that reason. To me, it
is to leave the planet a little better off than it was before I got here, and to think of others
before I think of myself.
I believe the planet is better off because of my children and the cadets of the Aurora
Division, and the awesome potential they have to make their own contributions to the
betterment of us all. I hope that in some small way I have shown you what you CAN be
and do, remembering the core values and looking out for "the other guy". Whether you
go on into the military, or some other walk of life, these values and principles will stand
you, and all of us, in good stead.
I am not Douglas MacArthur, and am not fading away. I will continue to support the
division, moving back into more of a behind-the-scenes role handling paperwork to allow
LTJG Kobleur to do what he does best, working with all of you. I know I am leaving the
division in excellent hands, better than mine. He is a very good man, and exemplifies the
principles I hold dear. But he can't do it alone. It is up to YOU, each and every one of
you, to work with him to improve both the division and yourselves. If you do that, the
values you get out of this program will last a lifetime.
After all, Sea Cadets IS the Adventure of a Lifetime.
LTJG Jeffrey N. Dooley, NSCC
Administrative Officer & Webmaster
Former Commanding Officer
Aurora Division
13 March 2006
Update from SK1 Haig:
I am on the ground in Iraq. I got here last Friday via C-130 up from Kuwait. I spent that
Friday AM waiting on a Sand Storm to clear so my flight was delayed 4 hours. I was
bumped from the flight the previous Wednesday and had to wait by myself to get up here.
I spent Friday AM with the (ROK) Republic of Korea Army, they had a large group at
the Air Base awaiting movement elsewhere also. I traded Command Coins, took pictures,
traded money with them, nice people.
Me and 3 Army personnel were the only ones on the C-130 and once in the air were told
we had to make a stop at a civilian airport before coming up here. We picked up a one
star General and Country Music Recording Artist's "Montgomery - Gentry" band, crew
and equipment for a USO show at the base we were going to!! What fun, we talked with
them, took pictures and got autographs all the way up here. VIP/USO flight for the
"BeeKeeper". After dinner and a briefing we caught the show, got a guitar pic, more
pictures with the band. They stayed well into the night to spend time, take pictures, sign
autographs with the troops. Needless to say after having the USAF carry my gear up to
the awaiting buses as I walked into the terminal here with the "Band" caused a roar
within the Battalion. There were claims of "Gucci" flight and how did you manage that,
we had to carry all our gear via the "Bataan Death March" to the hooches. BU1 is going
to kill me when he gets word of this one ...
This place looks like a scene from the 1977 Star Wars film, Luke Skywalkers home
planet ... Sand and more Sand. There is a ton of the type stuff they are sending the troops
getting here and it is VERY MUCH APPRECIATED, it is stored in the MWR and the
troops just take what they need when they need it. THANK YOU.
SK1(SCW) Charles David Haig
NMCB25 (Supply Department)
Main Body
FPO AP 96601-5113
3 March 2006
Update from SK1 Haig:
Advanced Party on the Ground in Kuwait, we can tell you what we did, just not what we
are to do. Stopped in Shannon, Ireland on the way. Got off the plane and got to go into
the Terminal Pub for a Stout and then off to Budapest, Hungary before getting here
yesterday. Squires still in California.
SK1(SCW) Charles David Haig
NMCB25 Main Body
FPO AP 96661-5113
21 February 2006
Update from SK1 Haig:
I leave March 3rd it sounds like Advanced Party to Kuwait. I will be at Camp Morrell in
Kuwait for approx 6-8 weeks as Supply Department Head. I am off to Al Alysad Airbase,
Iraq after that for the duration. We are attached to the 1st (MEF). Had my first classified
brief today, can't tell you anything of course but it was interesting.
I'm not sure what BU1(SCW) Squires will be doing but this week he is building the air
cargo pallets to load our gear on the C-17's for the trip over. I see him often but we are in
different worlds, he is in Charlie or Bravo and I am in Headquarters Company.
We took the Chief's Exam this morning, may as well as tried to swim the Pacific, it
would have been easier. MAN!! YN1 Rosario and EO1(SCW) Welch our buddies from
the Kennedy Division are here also so the Sea Cadet/Seabees are all here.
More later as I can.
SK1(SCW) Charles David Haig IV, HQ Company
NMCB 25
c/o: 31st SRG
1000 23rd Avenue
Port Hueneme, CA. 93043
28 January 2006
Update from SK1 Haig:
I am now going into the 4th week in California. We should be out of here early March for
Kuwait then off to Iraq. We have been in training, classes, field, etc. Our instructors have
all been over there and the things we've seen on video are unreal, this is a nasty business
we are to go into.
We are attached to the Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) and as such are at the point of
the spear. I hope we get all of us home at this point. Those of us SCW Qualified (Seabee
Combat Warfare) will be allowed to work on the (FMF) Pin, Fleet Marine Force. I will
do that to stay busy.
Last Saturday on our way back from the rifle range I looked over to my right and saw the
Port Hueneme Sea Cadets at Attention. Hope all the kids are well and having fun. Wish
them all well for me and Bob.
SK1(SCW) Charles David Haig IV, LPO, HQ Co Leader
NMCB25 DET 16